This petition urges to prioritize size reduction of all grades in FCPS elementary schools as soon as possible. It is addressed to the Frederick County Board Of Education, the Frederick County Executive and Maryland’s Governor and Senators.

The futures of our children have been placed at risk due to the decision made by The Board of Education of Frederick County earlier this year to increase the student-to-teacher ratio. This increase resulted in many schools losing teacher positions, leading to some classes reaching more than 30 students for one teacher. While some families may not feel the immediate impact, we believe this decision will ultimately drastically affect all of our children and their future educational experiences. The consequence in this ever-increasing global marketplace, is that our children will be at a major disadvantage when they enter the workforce and will not be able to compete.

Our teachers are visibly overworked and frustrated, and parents who can afford it are sending their children to commercial classes/tutors to stay on track. Those families that cannot afford this or don’t have the time, are left behind.

Every day, we hear stories from parents that highlight just how vital personalized attention is in the classroom. One parent shared her experience with her son, who has always struggled with math. In a smaller class, his teacher was able to spend extra time with him, using creative methods to make the subject come alive. His excitement for learning blossomed as he finally grasped the concepts. But now, with the increase in class size, his mother worries that the teacher won’t have the capacity to help every child. “I fear my son’s progress will vanish in a sea of desks,” she said, her voice trembling with concern.

Based on scientific data, you surely agree that it is a disservice to children to learn in large classes and that it is not best practice. The Institute of Education Sciences, the research arm of the U.S. Department of Education, concluded that class size reduction is one of four evidence-based reforms that may be able to increase student achievement [1].

Further, according to the National Education Policy Center, “children learn more, and teachers are more effective in smaller classes. Class size is an important determinant of a variety of student outcomes, ranging from test scores to broader life outcomes. Also, smaller classes are particularly effective at raising achievement levels of low-income and minority children” [2].

Finally, according to the National Education Association, “teachers with small classes can spend more one-on-one time and dedicate their energy to helping each child succeed. Smaller classes also enhance safety and positive behavior in the classroom” [3].

The decision made by The Board of Education of Frederick County blatantly contradicts this evidence and thus must be revised.

For the sake of our children, our nation’s future, and our local communities, let’s come together to ensure our children receive an education in accordance with the status of our nation in the world. We call upon the Board, to reignite its commitment to quality education by reversing recent actions. We call on the Frederick County executive and Maryland’s Governor and Senators to provide additional funds to support the education of our children. Please join me in this fight by signing and sharing this petition, sharing your stories with our community, and/or showing up to support the cause.

 

Cited Articles:

[1] The Institute of Education Sciences / The National Center for Education Evaluation and Regional Assistance, “Identifying and Implementing Educational Practices Supported by Rigorous Evidence: a User Friendly Guide,” December 2003 at: https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/pubs/evidence_based/evidence_based.asp

[2] Schanzenbach, D.W. (2014). Does Class Size Matter? Boulder, CO: National Education Policy Center. At: http://nepc.colorado.edu/publication/does-class-size-matter 

[3] NEA policy playbook (2020). At: https://www.nea.org/sites/default/files/2020-11/2020%20NEA%20Policy%20Playbook.pdf

Other Articles of Interest:

Achilles, C. M. (2012). Class-size policy: The STAR experiment and related class-size studies. NCPEA Policy Brief, 1(2), 1-9. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED540485

Mosteller, F. et al. (1996). Sustained Inquiry in Education: Lessons from Skill Grouping and Class Size. Harvard Education Review, 66 (4), 797-842. https://campussuite-storage.s3.amazonaws.com/prod/1558748/bd01c7ae-765f-11e9-9402-0a56f8be964e/1971607/90d244da-c356-11e9-84f4-0ad7e4dba30a/file/1_Sustained%20Inquiry.pdf